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    Tecumseh Mystery: Marijuana Grow Facility Exposed!

    TECUMSEH, Okla. — Authorities in Pottawatomie County are investigating a deadly robbery at a marijuana grow facility on East Hill Drive in Tecumseh that left one woman dead and two others restrained. The violent incident took place Friday night and has prompted a manhunt for two masked suspects who remain on the run.

    According to Captain JT Palmer of the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office, the two armed intruders forced their way through the front door of the marijuana grow facility. Once inside, the men separated—though their intentions for doing so remain unclear. “There were shots fired, we have one victim,” said Palmer. “Then they duct-taped the other two and started rummaging through the house.”

    The woman fatally shot was identified as Vongphachanh Philavanh, a Canadian national who lived at the facility with her boyfriend, the property's owner, and his wife. The trio resided on-site as part of the daily operation of the legal marijuana grow facility.

    Law enforcement believes the suspects may have entered from the rear of the property to avoid detection. “There was a back way they could've parked and not been seen and walk in the back way... We're about 75 percent sure they came in through the back,” Palmer explained.

    Despite the brutal nature of the crime, neighbors were largely unaware anything had occurred until investigators began canvassing the area. One local resident did recall hearing a loud noise—possibly a gunshot—but did not realize a serious crime had taken place.

    Sheriff Freeland Wood confirmed that the marijuana grow facility was operating legally. However, he and Captain Palmer both pointed out a troubling trend: such operations are becoming frequent targets for criminal activity due to the large quantities of marijuana kept on-site. “

     

    The investigation has been slowed by communication barriers, as the surviving witnesses primarily speak Lao. A translator proficient in the language has been brought in to help officials gather accurate statements and critical details about the suspects.

    No arrests have been made at this time. The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information related to the robbery or the suspects to come forward.

    This disturbing event highlights the growing security challenges facing Oklahoma’s expanding cannabis industry. As marijuana grow facilities continue to increase across the state, law enforcement stresses the importance of vigilance and robust protection for both workers and residents.

     

    by KoCo News 5

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